I zipped over to AMC in Westwood Town after work to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Or "Forrest Gump (Without the AIDS)", as it has been called. Or "The Curious Case of How Brad Pitt Got an Oscar Nomination", as I am calling it.

I'm not sure what to think of this. The concept is that of a guy who starts off with the body of an old man, but the mind of a kid who ages backward or at least sideways, I guess. That guy being Brad Pitt, who for most of the movie is playing Brad Pitt. I was struck by how unemotional the departure scenes were. Be it death or the end of a relationship. Sure, people die in a chair when no one is around and relationships have been ended by sliding notes under a door. But if this is a love story, couldn't they have tossed some "I love you"'s in, even though an early character did not want to hear that.

And that love story? An 8-year old kid is gonna look at a 70-year old guy and say, "Yep, he's the one"? That is a major leap you have to get over. A bit creepy, but they finally hook up after many failed attempts, when he's 49 and she's 43 (did they or I even get the math right?) for a "Malcolm in the Middle" or whatever the kids are calling it these days. By that time, Pitt is playing Pitt. He does a good job in the "Ocean's" movies and I think he was really good in last year's "Jesse James" movie. But in this, he's an emotionless guy and pretty much a caretaker so we can have these historical reference points as he gets older/younger. I'm not kidding when I say Keanu Reeves could have done this, and that's why the Oscar nomination is puzzling.

David Fincher, who'll be forever remembered for "Fight Club", directed this movie and it's shot well. I love what he did with the Warner Bros. and Paramount logos at the start, having them filled in with colorful buttons. But he did better work recently with the Tomlinson-Polamalu Nike commercial. And even last year's "Zodiac", which held my interest much better then this, because while this movie is lengthy, as well, it really takes a while to start up.

And with this story, he gets to use Katrina as a plot point for undetermined reasons, except it's New Orleans. I think the fatal plot flaw is Benjamin never questions why he is the way he is, does he gain any wisdom going backward, or is aging this way really a problem for him? It appears not, so then, why the movie?

Meal of Links

Darren Rovell had a chat ealier this week with Vince from "ShamWow!". Vince is cool.

The lineup for Coachella was announced. Macca gets a headlining spot. Looks pretty strong.

America is going smokeless. And smokeless tobacco is less carcinogenic and less gross, too.

Bad Hamster



Exercise Yard

New Hall of Famers for the NFL were announced today. Very underwhelming. Bob Hayes? No way! Derrick Thomas? Hate to say it, but his early death helped him get in. Ralph Wilson, owner of the Bills. Why? I have no issue with Rod Woodson, Randall McDaniel or Bruce Smith. All three very deserving.

BTW, here's how Pittsburgh wins the Super Bowl. No question. It's the Steelers by double digits.

Visitor

16 Down: Team named for its city's leading industry (7 letters) Answer: Pistons

My Dad and I trundled down to the Bart tonight to see CSU whip up on last-place Detroit. The nagging thing about this game is Detroit kept hanging around until finally wilting in the last 6 minutes. Norris Cole threw in 21 for the Vikings, as CSU wins, 66-49, in front of 1752 hardy souls.

Meal of Links

Dumping cable. Looks like it should work, but I don't know for sure.

The worst hotel in NYC. Click "Traveler Photos" for bed bug evidence.

About our economic appetite. Can you really do more with less?

Meg White's drumkit is being auctioned. I guess I can do more with less.

Exercise Yard

Rahal-Letterman Racing may not race IndyCars this year. Hard to do without a sponsor or driver. In NASCAR, David Gilliland has a ride with Yates Racing, but no sponsor, so he sits. Sponsors can't justify the expense in this economy.

Visitor

6 Across: Three-time NFL MVP (5 letters) Answer: Favre

Most of my snow came today after 7:00 a.m. I thought overnight I didn't fare too badly, but decided to work from home. Anyhow, I got out there about 7:30 to start my shoveling and it wasn't too bad. But from about 8:15 to 1:00, I got absolutely pounded with snow.

Some guy was driving around offering snowblowing around 9:30, so I hit him up for that and told him to come back a few hours later. And he did. But, by God, it was still snowing by me until about 3:00. So, I had to clean that off and wouldn't you know the city sent not a plow, but a grater by just then. Of course, he dumped the requisite snow at the end of the driveway, at least a foot-and-a-half. At least I was already out there and pushed all of that aside.

Finally, about 5:30, I decided to do one last scrape. I was actually heading out to grab some Chinese food because the streets were as clear as they had been all day. Then the dreaded plow appeared. He passed once and thankfully, didn't mess up the drive. I was gone maybe 20 minutes. Upon my return...once more, the wall of snow. Again with the driveway. So, I think I'm done with the clearing for now.

He says hopefully.

Meal of Links

How to nap. Now this seems easy, but I guess there's a science to it. Trust me, I get into REM pretty quickly during a nap and get into that creative thinking aka dreaming, but I can't seem to confine it to 45 minutes. Speaking of creativity, I had a dream last night that involved Manny Ramirez, an underground restaurant and a business card. Don't ask.

David Letterman is showing the censored Bill Hicks routine this Friday. I salute Dave on this, it's a very cool gesture. Even Twitter will have feeds for #billhicksday on February 26, the 15th anniversary of his death. There also is a family-approved doc coming out.

A chat with Ira Glass.

This seems silly. Doesn't it?

The Top 10 Worst Movie Edits. My all-time favorite was the network premiere of "Caddyshack". After the victorious golf match, Rodney yells, "Hey everybody, we're all gonna get laid." in the movie version. The TV version had him yell, "Come on everybody, let's take a shower."

Exercise Yard

The MAC and ESPN sign a long-term deal. That's a good thing.

Visitor

37 Across: Maker of Flip-Flop waffles (4 letters) Answer: Eggo

I am not a dog owner. Bill Simmons had a column on Friday that I keep forgetting to post. It's about the loss of his dog. A really nice read. Oh, it's sad, but nice.

Meal of Links

PopCrunch has their list of the 100 Hottest Women. Whoever chose these photos needs to be enlightened. Very odd pic selections. Aniston at No. 60, for example. OK, I've gone through this list twice and still, no Kate Beckinsale? This has automatically become a shitty list.

Another Google Maps favorite.

Turner Classic Movies has the schedule up for "31 Days of Oscar". In PDF fashion.

Starbucks will not brew decaf after Noon. Not a coffee drinker, I'm not sure why that's big news, as I figure demand would drop later anyway. I guess these idiots have been wasting a lot.

15 Great Gearshift Movies. Good to see some love for "Something Wild".

Exercise Yard

This is probably the best summary on why many of us do not have access to the NFL Network. Hopefully, once the Mankok Era of the Browns hits full stride, we'll get it.

Speaking of Mankok (and, yes, someone already did a "One Night in Bangkok" parody on 850), could George Kokinis have been any less inspiring than in his introductory presser. Bill Livingston is the leader in the clubhouse in 2009 for Column of the Year, thus far.

Visitor

10 Down: "High Sierra" leading lady (9 letters) Answer: Ida Lupino

I saw "Revolutionary Road" this afternoon. I'm sort of glad the trailers didn't reveal what this movie was about it. God, this married couple HATED each other, pretty much from the opening credits. At least we didn't spend 90 minutes to finally reach that point. Life in the suburban fifties must have sucked hard.

Anyhow, we get Kate Winslet looking better than ever in this movie. Even better than her nakedness in "The Reader". Looks good smokin' a cig, too. I mean your real-life husband isn't gonna make you look bad, would he? Leo, is well, Leo. He and Tom Cruise have this unique habit of making everyone they are on screen with a whole lot better. And they both never get nominated for crap.

Michael Shannon, oh, Michael Shannon! In a non-Heath Ledger year, the Supporting Actor Oscar would be his. OK, his character is served a hanging slider but he hits it out of the park. He is in only two scenes but the movie is quite the cracker when he shows up. He is crazy, certifiably they tell us, but is the only one that recognizes what is truly going on and isn't afraid to say it.

Overall, it's pretty good. Not a cheery topic, but has some surprising laughs, including, most of all, the final scene.

Meal of Links

OK, I have, from time to time, mentioned the size of Sandra Bullock's ass in "The Lake House". Well, take a look at the ad campaign for her next movie, "The Proposal", which I saw in its full-blown glory at the Cinemark today:















































Republicans aren't exactly doing backflips over the stimulus plan. They want permanent tax cuts.

Table hockey is still alive. Sorta like Strat-O-Matic these days, I'm sure.

Another gem from Google Maps. This one from Pittsburgh.

Exercise Yard

I've never seen Shane Mosley, at age 37 mind you, better than in his dismantling of Antonio Margarito on HBO Boxing. Stunning can't even begin to describe his effort. I've never been a Mosley fan, but he almost threw a shutout last night before notching a KO in the ninth.

Mosley could not miss with the right hand throughout the fight and they correctly pointed out even his jab was working. It really throws the welterweights into more of a big dogpile. Cotto whipped Mosley, Margarito whipped Cotto and now Mosley whips Margarito. How about a Mosley-Mayweather follow up to Pacquiao-Hatton?

A very good start to HBO's year with the most unexpected of results.

Visitor

None, on a cold Sunday.

Since it has been so cold lately, I've been employing the Cocomotion machine (I was an early adopter) a lot. Dump the cocoa into water and add marshmallow creme and watch it spin. It's a neat device.

I've been using the Land O'Lakes Cocoa brand for a while now. Lots of different flavors and most of them pretty good. Cook's Illustrated rates the Supreme flavor the best chocolate cocoa mix out there and that's no lie. Anyhow, Giant Eagle had a sale display last week that had flavors I had not seen before (I usually get mine at Marc's, where they are cheap). And, I must say, that Butterscotch flavor was unbelievably good. I also picked up a couple of Creme Brulees to try. Look for 'em at 2 for a dolla at the Iggle.

Meal of Links

Seems Obama was serious about Pakistan. He obviously wants to get Bin Laden.

Men's Fitness places Cleveland in the Top 15 Fittest Cities (don't say that fast). In other news, Editor & Publisher rates the staff of Men's Fitness as having the worst eyesight.

Do you remember the All-Sports Band? Thankfully, I don't.

Here is a rather cool short film:


A Thousand Words from Ted Chung on Vimeo.

Exercise Yard

The infamous mural that Eric Mangini asked to be removed at Browns HQ:



It's easy to see how it would offend some Browns acolytes. But, really, it doesn't appear that wall has been updated since Mangini was here last time. I mean the wall stops at Eric Metcalf, who last played here in 1994. That speaks volume about the new Browns. I'm not glad it got removed, I'm just sayin' I understand why it did.

Visitor

34 Down: "Schelomo" composer (5 letters) Answer: Bloch

My Dad and I headed over to the cinema this evening. We were gonna see Clint Eastwood in "Get Off my Lawn". But, in a last-minute swerve, we saw "Doubt", because it looked like it was leaving the west side after today. And it picked up some Oscar nominations, as well.

"Doubt" is another play turned into a movie. So, there are some rather lengthy scenes. Acting, of course, is top-notch. Hoffman, Adams, Streep are very good. Viola Davis snagged a Supporting Actress nomination in limited screen time.

For me, the memories of a Catholic school education came flooding back. No one got whapped on the hands with a ruler, but there were enough cuffs to the back of the head that made me sit up straighter in my chair. And if you've ever had to kneel down with your arms spread wide holding a huge dictionary in each hand for the major sin of talking in class, you may wonder why that was not depicted in the movie. I guess it wasn't considered torture.

Anyhow, the depiction of wind in this movie is about as subtle as a a sledgehammer. Ooooh, wind....bad things. And I don't think Philip Seymour Hoffman did what he was alleged to have done. You see, I have "Doubt"s.

Meal of Links

Google and the future of books. One of my goals this year is top read more books. I am in the middle of "Nixonland" right now. Pretty good stuff.

Will no "The Dark Knight" as Best Picture ruin Oscar ratings. I don't know, would it make any difference these days? Seems like plenty of stars got nominated. And I'll talk about those over the weekend.

Two priests embezzled $1 million. I have no "Doubt" they did it.

Exercise Yard

Bruton Smith floats the idea of NFL-style blackouts for races at his NASCAR tracks. NASCAR politely says, "Are you insane?". That idea is duh-umb.

Visitor

10 Across: Spice Girl married to Beckham (4 letters) Answer: Posh

I saw someone today with a Fleetwood Mac vanity plate and I started to think about their upcoming visit to Quicken Loans Arena. Would you pay top price to see them, which is $150? I think the other price tiers are $80 and $50, but I have no idea where those seats are. Wouldn't mind seeing them, but I can't fathom going at that rate. So, if my feeling is the prevailing one around town, would you be able to cop cheap tickets come showtime?

I dunno, I think of the great bands I've seen locally for a lot less money. And then I have this nagging fear about our town which has so many tours skipping us over the last several years. I mean, is this our future? Are we going to get stuck with these nostalgia acts or geezer rock all the time?

I understand that downloading has effectively killed what used to be cash cows for these bands and they now they make most of their money via the concert circuit. It makes me wonder what U2 will charge this time out. I've already seen them at $130, then $160. Given the economy, will they even try for $200?

Meal of Links

One of my favorite music lists is now out. It's the 2008 Pazz + Jop Poll from the Village Voice.

The front pages of all the newspapers covering Obama's inauguration. And yes, he was bulletproof.

Gordon Ramsay gets hit by the credit crunch. And other scandals.

Caroline Kennedy drops out of the contest for the Senate seat in New York. Did she really want it anyhow?

Exercise Yard

Top 10 wrestlers of all-time. "To be the best, you gotta beat the best. Whoo-o-o-o-o-o-o!"

Hey, I liked George "The Animal" Steele, but there is no way in hell he is No. 10. Barely cracks the Top 50. Even the Iron Sheik and his "Gene Mean" act were better than him.

Visitor

35 Across: "High Voltage" rock band (4 letters) Answer: AC/DC

A reminder. Krispy Kreme is giving away free donuts tomorrow, Inauguration Day.

Letterman takes his last jabs at Bush with this montage:



Meal of Links

Another of those "wordy things" from the NYTimes. This one on the inauguration. They use "people" a lot a la Tanchak.

70 songs about American Presidents. I think I've heard maybe 10 of these.

Seriously, this show is still on ABC? Yet, the "Knights of Prosperity" died. Aaaargh.

Duke is Duke. They're everywhere. Except for Raleigh?

Exercise Yard

Best sign of the sports weekend. If you have to ask, well, you don't know your Arizona Cardinals history:



























Same goes for the second-best sign of the sports weekend. If you have to ask, well, you don't know your Baltimore Ravens history:





















And how does Larry Fitzgerald catch all of those passes exactly? The eyes have it.

Visitor

31 Across: 1998 DeNiro thriller (5 letters) Answer: Ronin

While sitting around wasting time yesterday, I bumped into the Big O, once again:



So, I decided to check into Lawson's and discovered that Lawson's is the number two convenience store chain in Japan, of all things. I'm really at a loss to think how that even occurred. Was it a stroke of luck to establish some stores there in the '70s? Or did they capitalize on being an American brand at precisely the right moment? Either way, I think it's truly bizarre. I wonder if they sell chip-chopped ham, Budget-Pak ice cream and chip dip there.

And since that song is now stuck in your head, try removing this one, once you've heard it:



Meal of Links

Someone found a whole bunch of Iron Age coins in the UK. Seems they would be worth more, but maybe the Iron Age is the red-headed stepchild of all the Ages.

The frat boy ships out. Can it be said any better. The one thing I'll never forgive them for is their anti-intellectualism. It's baffling that you would not want to embrace the smart.

It is now National Thrift Week. Here's how to save money during a recession. Craigslist is not a bad place to start.

Joaquin Phoenix is a member of my Dead Pool this year. He is now a rapper. Somewhere, Old Dirty Bastard and, perhaps, Andy Kaufman look on fondly.

Exercise Yard

Today's games:

Philadelphia over Arizona
Pittsburgh over Baltimore

After last week's disaster of picking, I'll try again today. Really, if Pittsburgh does not turn over the ball, they should win handily. In the first game, I just can't see Kurt Warner getting time to throw or Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin running free through the Philly secondary.

Visitor

None, a football Sunday.

The last time I vomited was a long time ago. From a gyro. I went several years without eating them, but reintroduced myself to them within the last couple of years. They are a gouty food, so I have to be careful, I guess.

But that did not prevent me from getting a Jumbo today at Famous Gyro George. I'm still not sure if a guy named George made a Gyro that became Famous, or if George makes a Famous Gyro, or if Gyro George became Famous. To paraphrase Vincent Vega, "I don't know if it was worth seven dollars, but it was pretty fuckin' good."

Meal of Links

Didn't know it, but Airbuses (Airbi?) have a device called a ditch switch. Keeps the plane afloat by not letting the water in.

Matt Taibbi with another gem. This time he skewers Thomas Friedman. His graph, "Size of Valerie Bertinelli’s Ass, 1985-2008, vs. Happiness" made me laugh really hard.

Terry Gilliam can't get Don Quixote out of his head. Back to work on that movie again. If you ever see "Lost in La Mancha" on your TV guide, watch it.

Exercise Yard

Conan O'Brien really does hate Cletus, the Fox NFL robot.



I don't mind Cletus when he does football stuff. Although, two things bugged me this year. When he and the Burger King were on together, that was hard to take. And I do agree with Conan, his sudden penchant for dancing is quite the mystery.

Visitor

40 Across: Cheryl's "Charlie's Angels" role (4 letters) Answer: Kris

Meal of Links

Here are the music-related films at Sundance. "It Might Get Loud" seems the most intriguing. "Tyson/U.S.A." seems like a nice update from Barbara Kopple's TV doc from years ago. Speaking of Kopple, I saw "Harlan County" a couple of Sundays ago and it still is an all-timer.

One of the other Showtime gems, "This American Life" may cut down on the number episodes and only do specials. Seems they are running out of stories.

Twitter was at the scene of the US Airways crash. Every one of those survivors needs to do saintly work, I say. It's incredible how that accident unfolded. Here's the pilot. Let's all have a drink and salute Sully this weekend. I say early retirement for old Sully and he can fly me to tropical locations the rest of my life with the money he will now make. That seems fair, no?

Why does Photo Cliches make me laugh?

Coke has a new slogan. I didn't even know they had an old one.

Exercise Yard

Found out Collective Soul (WTF?) plays at halftime of the Cardinals-Eagles game. Oh boy.

Hey, it's Ron Lyle! The best heavyweight fight I ever saw was Foreman-Lyle. Nothing comes close.

Visitor

43 Across: Louvre Pyramid architect (3 letters) Answer: Pei

After some minor technical issues, I am back.

The strangest thing I heard today was on Fox Sports Radio. They were interviewing Chris Landry, who is their self-described "NFL Personnel Director". He is another member of the Belichick Tree, having worked here in the early '90s with the Browns. So, he knows all of the principals getting these NFL jobs lately.

They asked him about Scott Pioli, newly appointed GM of the Chiefs who also interviewed with the Browns. He said he would be a really good administrator. The next question was about his scouting ability and Landry stated that Pioli has never done scouting, that he never travelled around in that capacity. So, it makes sense that Pioli would opt for the Chiefs job, where he can report to the owner and lean heavily on that scouting department.

If he came here, God knows what his role would have been, but it seems to me he would have been responsible for drafting and it's obviously not his forte. Maybe that's a good reason for him not being here.

Meal of Links

Samuel L. may not play Nick Fury, after all. He doesn't seem too happy about it. All I know is, he got cheered when he showed up onscreen in "Iron Man".

"Flight of the Conchords" returns this Sunday. Right after a long day of football. Here is an interview.

Bonnaroo is making concert footage and some music available to the masses. The first band up? "The Raconteurs"! Yeah, baby. That will warm you up.

"Idol" is back. Plus, the BBC decides to have "Butcher Idol".

The "Dog Whisperer" has advice for the Obama family dog. I am sensing a "Very Special" episode of the program?

Steve Jobs is taking a Medical Leave of Absence. That can't be good.

Johnny Cash was once a deputy in Davidson County (Nashville).

I am fascinated by this accidental cartography. Kinda like when Al Bundy sweated Elvis. How can you not like "Australia as a puddle"?

They are dropping like flies. Mr. Roarke and Number Six both died today.

Exercise Yard

ESPN says, yeah, we are bidding for Premier League matches. The next contract determines my future programming provider.

Visitor

60 Across: 1960s-'70s group, and this puzzle's theme (8 letters) Answer: The Doors

Yes, it's the time-honored tradition of that Dick Clark Production...the 66th Annual Golden Globes! Football ran late, so I have no Red Carpet info. This awards ceremony brings out all the heavy hitters, be they presenters or nominees.

Why, first up, it's J-Lo to present a Best Supporting Actress Award. This goes to Kate Winslet for "The Reader". It's curious how she gets a supporting role out of this feature, but I guess the studio determined this is her easiest path to an award. OK, I have actually seen this one. That makes me feel good. But her speech is lo-o-o-o-ong.

What is going on with Sting? Anyone? This outfit reminds me of when you are a kid and demand to be allowed to wear a certain outfit, when the reality of it is that it's not very appropriate.



























Bruce Springsteen is given an award from Sting. It's for the song, "The Wrestler", which is actually in the movie, "The Wrestler". I haven't seen it yet. Bruce, for once, has no story to tell but does say, "This is the only time I'm going to be in a competition with Clint Eastwood. Feels pretty good, too."

Kate Beckinsale in the house!

Next winner is Laura Dern for her role as Katharine Harris in HBO's "Recount". I actually watched it and it was well done.

Tom Wilkinson wins for playing Ben Franklin in "John Adams". Even though HBO seemed to have this on a continuous 24-hour loop for a time, I didn't see it. If you wanna see Wilkinson in a great role, catch him in "Rock N Rolla".

Dexter and his sister/wife are there to not watch Gabriel Byrne pick up an award for "In Treatment". I've seen a couple of these.

Anna Paquin is all growed-up. She wins for "True Blood". Was that the one she was naked in? I didn't see it.

Seriously, is that Verizon post-Christmas ad gonna run through Easter? It's killing me.

Ricky Gervais introduces a scene from "Happy Go Lucky", while sipping a pint. "Winslet, I told you, do a Holocaust film and the awards come rolling."

Jonas Brothers present Best Toon to "Wall-E". What are their names? Dork, Dorky and Joe?

Johnny Depp onstage. I am not sure, but he seems to be doing an imitation of someone I can't quite place. Very strange. Anyhow, Sally Hawkins wins for "Happy Go Lucky". This poor woman seems completely overwhelmed that she won.

Sandra Bullock is there!



























Speaking of hitting the sauce, the next presenters are Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. "John Adams" wins best Mini Series or TV Movie, but is not there to accept it.

Deh-Mee Moore presents a Best Supporting Actor award to another person who could not be there, Heath Ledger. He gets a Standing O, regardless. They show a clip from "The Dark Knight". I saw it. He deserves everything he gets for that one.

Tom Brokaw? WTF? "Frost/Nixon"! Now I get it.

Colin Farrell is on my TV. Huh? It's Best Foreign Language Film. "Waltz With Bashir", which gets here next month, wins.

Both Gyllenhaals have been onstage tonight. This is for Best Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries. It goes to Laura Linney, who keeps getting better looking each year. She was in "John Adams", which I still haven't seen.

I just saw Salma and her Hayeks for the first time this evening.




















Laundry break, as "Slumdog Millionaire" takes Best Screenplay.

Dempsey and Poehler present Best Actor in a TV Comedy and it goes to Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock". He is damn funny on that show. Nice shot of Jane Krakowski over there. Woof!

Renee Zellweger appears, wearing something bizarre. Is she playing Annette Bening in real life? What is going on here?



























Paul Giamatti, who absolutely kills me, wins for "John Adams". Have I mentioned I haven't seen this? But I do like Giamatti in most everything that he does.

Glenn Close and Laurence Fishburne give an award to "30 Rock". Tracy Morgan speaks for the group. "I'm the face of post-racial America. Deal with it, Cate Blanchett." Very funny.

Pierce Brosnan introduces a clip from "Mamma Mia". Thank God, he does not sing.

P. Diddy and Kate Beckinsale present Best Score. Seriously, Diddy gets no reaction from the crowd. Beckinsale gets a reaction from my man parts, though. Some Indian guy is onstage and I have confirmed that "Slumdog Millionaire" has won.



























David Duchovny and Jane Krakowski make a fine couple, I'd say. Or maybe she does. They present an acting award to Tina Fey. Her best line (via Will Arnett), "I love the Hollywood foreign press. As a kid, I had all the Hollywood foreign press action figures."

Steven Spielberg wins the Cecil B. Demille Award, presented by Martin Scorsese. Marty seems to have developed Tourette's. Steve gives a speech the way a speech should be given at these things. Very nice. Hey, they show a clip from "Duel". Speaking of clips, where did I see a clip of Warhol, Spielberg and Bianca Jagger having a chat? Why, here it is:



Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman present Best Director, It goes to Danny Boyle, looking as disheveled as ever, for "Slumdog Millionaire".

Sigourney Weaver is still getting it done.

Bullock presents Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy and it goes to Colin Farrell for "In Bruges". Didn't see that one. Even Farrell said, "They must have done the counting in Florida."

"Vicky Cristina Barcelona' clip is introduced by Salma and her Hayeks.

Sasha Baron Cohen is funny while presenting Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. He said in tough times people seek out "mindless, puerile, escapist nonsense... Which is a good thing because I've got a movie coming out." His recession jokes:

"Victoria Beckham has not eaten in three weeks."

"Charlie Sheen has been forced to have sex and not pay for it."

"Madonna has had to let go of one of her personal assistants. Our thoughts go out to you, Guy Ritchie."

He seemed to have lost the crowd with that last one. Many groans. "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" wins.

Mark Wahlberg and Cameron Diaz present Best Actress. This goes to Kate Winslet. That's a rarity, getting two of these awards. This one for "Revolutionary Road". A shoutout to Leo this time. But her speech is lo-o-o-o-ong. I have decided if I ever present at these awards, I wanna be on in the first hour, so I could drink.

Rainn Wilson and The Gossip Girl present Best TV Drama. ""Hello, we're TV actors." It goes to "Mad Men".

Susan Sarandon gives a Best Actor award to Mickey Rourke for "The Wrestler". Revisit "Body Heat". The guy is on screen for about 5 minutes or so and is unbelievable. Mickey has had some tough times as evidenced by him thanking his dogs. "I'd like to thank my dogs. Sometimes when a man's alone, that's all you've got, is your dogs."



























Who is this chick in the new Citi ads, who seems to be channeling Phoebe Cates?

Tom Cruise presents Best Motion Picture, Drama, and it goes to "Slumdog Millionaire". The producer says, "They're wrapping me up...Fuck!" But it got bleeped.

We conclude as Cruise says, "Good night, everybody!"

Your winners are here.

Meal of Links

Mouthwash is linked to cancer. I use that Alcohol-Free stuff from Crest.

Senator Voinovich hangs it up. Release the hounds! That should be an interesting race. As Jack Benny used to say, "Oh...Dennis!"

Wow. This kid can text.

Exercise Yard

Who would have thought three road teams would win in the NFL playoffs? I missed on all three games. The shocker was Arizona winning over Carolina. Did not see that coming. Tennesseee killed themselves with turnovers and the Giants just could not throw the ball today.

Lastly, the Steelers rolled in what I thought would be a tougher game for them.

Visitor

None, this was a post-snow Sunday.

I'm currently trapped inside, thus far, on this Saturday. It's one of those snowy days. I think at the airport they already had 7 inches. But with Mayor Jackson's new plowing plans, I don't think I'll see a plow until Sunday which sucks, quite frankly.

















Good day to watch football, of both the English and American variety, I guess. This weekend's winners:

NY Giants over Philadelphia
San Diego over Pittsburgh
Carolina over Arizona
Tennessee over Baltimore

Toss in a little shoveling and I'll make some spaghetti because it looks like I'll not be able to attend the CSU-UIC game this evening. So, Geraldo, I'll be hunkered down.

I'm guessing this will be the size of today's crowd:

















Meal of Links

Naomi Klein says Boycott Israel. Dennis! is on the case, too.

More Billy Mays. He will be on Discovery with his own reality show. This guy is getting more ink then Lohan, it seems.

You must view the Top 10 Movie Car Crashes. Yes, "The Seven Ups" is here, as is "Terminator 2". "Final Destination 2" is absolutely a joy to watch. Er, as far as car crashes go.

Dexter married his sister. The TV one.

Exercise Yard

You know, I used to like Joe Morgan covering baseball games, but even I have grown tired of his act. Maybe he should just stick to the new MLB cable channel or something.

Anyhow, here are the worst announcing teams in sports.

BTW, I think Matt Millen's appearance on NBC last week and upcoming gig on the Super Bowl makes me wonder if John Madden is near retirement. Millen was really good when he was in the booth a decade ago, but have to believe his stint as Lions President has cost him tons of credibility. And he did pick the Falcons last week, too.

Visitor

1 Across: 2004 Best Actor Oscar winner (9 letters) Answer: Jamie Foxx

What is with Randy Lerner’s phobia about showing up in front of a camera to address the media concerning Browns issues. Geez, when you hire a new coach, Balki, I mean Eric Mangini, and you own the club, don’t you have to address the public?

I fully expected one of those robocalls from Lerner yesterday to all of the season ticket holders, explaining the move. While I was at the CSU game, I checked my phone for e-mail. Sure enough, a message from the Browns. So, as I’m reading, I fully expected to see it signed by Randy Lerner. But no, it was signed,

“Sincerely,

Michael J. Keenan
President
Cleveland Browns”

WTF? When Larry gets hired on Monday as GM, I expect Lerner to be there front-and-center.

Meal of Links

”Make ‘Em Laugh” on PBS looks interesting. Starts next Wednesday.

Well, we all know about Mickey Rourke’s comeback. He’ll now be in ”Iron Man 2”. Hey, Sam Rockwell is in it, too. That’s cool.

All about ”Married to the Mob”. This is very underrated. Dean Stockwell is perfect. Michelle Pfeiffer is really good. Matthew Modine and Oliver Platt play feds.

A few things I remember from this: “Mambo Italiano” as the opening theme. Modine’s scene where he wakes up and gets right into his work clothes is outstanding. Chris Isaak, the clown at Burger World. That odd closing post-credits scene where Modine and Pfeiffer dance is memorable.

Exercise Yard

My Dad and I were at the CSU game against Loyola tonight. CSU will never duplicate the first half they had tonight. 65% shooting, 75% shooting on threes, 85% from the line, resulting in a 48-26 lead. They only scored 53 for the entire game last Saturday.

It was a laugher. CSU wins, 76-50.

Visitor

24 Across: Skye of “Say Anything…” (4 letters) Answer: Ione

Since I mentioned Billy Mays the other day, my attention has turned to The Snuggie. You know, the blanket with the arm holes. People are intrigued, they want to order it. But hasn't it been invented already? As in The Sweater or The Sweatshirt? I think the popcorn-eating "Monk" may be my favorite:



But you can't talk about Snuggie without mentioning Shamwow! I'm not sure why Vince is wearing the headset, but he certainly knows how to sell. "You know the Germans always make good stuff!"



However, Vince speaking Spanish for the Shamwow! es muy bueno.



But the creme de la creme may be Vince selling the SlapChop. With gems like: "Linguine, fettucine, martini, bikini!" and "You're gonna love my nuts!" and "The reason you're gonna slap away every day is because its so easy to clean". And don't forget the Graty!



Meal of Links

You can watch the original shows of "The Prisoner" on AMC. Remember, Caviezel stars in the new miniseries.

Richard Belzer says NBC is dying. And, yes, he still works there.

How to eat smart. Brain food does not include Peppermint Joe-Joe's. Damn.

Sanjay Gupta as Surgeon General? Some of his positions are not very good.

Joe the Plumber is back. This time as War Correspondent.

Exercise Yard

So, the Mangenius becomes coach of the Browns. The first time since 1970 the Browns have hired a coach with NFL experience. Not sure what to think yet. He's young. He's a Belichick disciple. He's a defensive coach. He's a disciplinarian. But he lost twice to the Browns during his time with the Jets.

His 2006 Jets won 10 games and got in the playoffs. I remember that team being an undersized, scrappy bunch and actually fun to watch. His 2007 team won 4 games and should have taught him that having a quality backup quarterback is a necessity in the NFL. His 2008 team was at one time, after wins at New England and at Tennessee, considered the best team in the AFC after 11 games. However, the Jets were absolutely horrid down the stretch, losing 4 of 5, save a miracle finish against the Bills. Seems they strayed from the running game toward the end. Not sure who to pin that on: Mangini, Brett Favre, or Offensive Coordinator Bryan Schottenheimer. Regardless, they sucked late.

But the Browns introduce him as Head Coach tomorrow. Thus, Browns Version 2.4 is born.

Visitor

66 Across: Goddess of wisdom (6 letters) Answer: Athena

"Athena/The Who"

Happy Headbanging New Year! No, it wasn't a Browns game playing AC/DC, but Gale and I actually saw the real AC/DC tonight on their "Black Ice" tour. Major tours coming here in early January are kind of rare. I recall Bowie several years ago touring at this time of the year, but not many others. Anyhow, my ears will be ringing til Groundhog Day.

AC/DC

This is your typical hard rock show. I have never seen AC/DC before. Outside of the occasional yelling of "Thunder!" at a Browns game or doing my "Highway to Hell" imitation (Screeching First Line: "Omyeevah, oolyeabu"), they fly outside of my radar. They are not yet a parody of themselves, but they are getting close.

The Venue: Quicken Loans Arena. The home of the $8.50 beer. I drank my beer and had my Washington Apple and Hot Apple Pie shots before entering. Happy New Year!

















Angus Young: This dude is what, 93 years old? He doesn't appear to be aging well. He still does "Angus Young Stuff". You don't have to be a rocket scientist to mimic his playing. Right heel up, head down, left heel up, head up. Then he does his duckwalk. Still does his striptease, too. Might wanna rethink that. So, he's 93 and shirtless for most of the show. Plays "Highway to Hell" wearing devil horns (AC/DC Lighted Devil Horns set you back $15.00).

And you know what? The people still go crazy over it.

















The Tickets: We were in Section 113, Row 15, on the aisle. Does not sound like much, until you realize we are level with the first row of the clubs. That means no one in front of us, stage left. Booyah!

The Crowd: AC/DC is fun for all ages. Next to me I was able to use a coat chair. When I asked the guy two seats down if anyone was sitting there, he said, "Only my invisible wife." I replied, "Oh, Mrs. Claude Rains?". Even in his drunken stupor, the old guy got it and laughed. That's what we had to deal with. It was considered a sellout as 14,000 people showed up.

















The Sound: Fucking loud. Hey, it was AC/DC, I guess, but the first time in eons I think I may have suffered permanent hearing loss. Huh?

The opening act was The Answer. I am not sure what The Question was. Anyhow, we did not arrive in time to see them.

















The Stage: The setup is a somewhat normal arrangement. We have Bryan Johnson (looking like he just ended a shift delivering beer), "dancing" like Tom Jones these days, singing mainly front and center. Angus Young is mainly stage left, but moves around a lot. Two guitarists stay mainly in the back on the same level flanking the drummer, moving mid-stage only for vocals. The drummer assumes the "Bonham Position" in the middle, but not on a riser. Video screens in the back and way up on the sides. Frankly, we were almost under a screen, so I was oblivious to most of the videos.

They had a long ramp down the center of the floor section that led to a circular platform probably two-thirds of the way through the crowd. The ramp's main use was for Johnson to basically walk down there and shake or slap hands with the crowd, while growling. Angus Young went down there near the end of the evening, and the circular platform ended up being a lift that carried him well above the crowd. Where, of course, he decided to lay on the floor and then walk in a circle while playing. Sort of a Curly Howard move.

Props: The show started with an overtly suggestive video. Again, no surprise there. Two hot chicks walking through a train, then we have cartoon Angus as a devil with a tail...wink, wink, nudge, nudge. And they have to stop the train as it is charging toward it's inevitable destination...your local arena! Then onstage, a bigass locomotive rises from the back with steam coming out of it!

Later on, we had fire (maybe borrowed from the Cavs) coming out of the train during one tune. We were close enough to feel that heat.

They also had a huge bell drop down with an AC/DC logo on it for some song. Oh yeah, "Hell's Bells".

For "Whole Lotta Rosie", they had a 30-foot inflatable chick riding the train. Poor stagehands had to work hard on that one to keep the balloon moving to the rhythm.

For the finale, "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)", they had cannons. yes, cannons. Six of 'em. Constantly firing. Eardrums bombarded.


















The Music:: I'd say you get what you pay for here. Some spectacle, not much, but really loud rock music that anyone would be familiar with. No surprises and who would want them at an AC/DC show.

Setlist:

"Rock n Roll Train"
"Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be"
"Back in Black"
"Big Jack"
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
"Thunderstruck"
"Black Ice"
"The Jack"
"Hells Bells"
"Shoot to Thrill"
"War Machine"
"Anything Goes"
"You Shook Me All Night Long"
"T.N.T."
"Whole Lotta Rosie"
"Let There Be Rock"

Encore:

"Highway to Hell"
"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)"

Overall, it was a good time.

Meal of Links

2008’s Most Annoying Liberals. Obama could not even crack the Top Five.

Prince is certifiable. Following Ryan Adams’ lead, he is releasing three albums in 2009.

The Greatest Jeopardy! Game Ever. Didn’t see it.

Are we in another Depression? Uh-oh.

Speaking of Mexican Coca-Cola…PepsiCo isn’t exactly taking a shine to a company that distributes Mexican Pepsi. All about the cane sugar, baby.

Can you live without these products in 2009? Hey, I don’t use Yammer, but I have a t-shirt from them.

I like Billy Mays selling just about anything, and his new ESPN 360 ads are really funny.



Exercise Yard

I had never heard of George Kokinis until yesterday. The startling thing is the line that Kokinis and Eric Mangini shared an apartment when they worked for the Browns. Great! It’s like Balki and Larry are going to be in charge of the Browns. Anyhow, here’s the background on Kokinis. Inspiring, eh?

Meanwhile, the NFL playoffs materialized pretty much how I thought they would go. I somehow got stuck on Indy’s winning streak, instead of actually looking at the games in that streak. My God, they looked terrible against the Browns. But it was difficult to pick an 8-8 team like the Chargers. The other games were easy pickings, I thought

Visitor

20 Across: Nickname for Joe DiMaggio (13 letters) Answer: Yankee Clipper

I spent the morning with a naked Kate Winslet. Because I went to see "The Reader" out at Crocker Park. For a morning flick, there were actually people there, no doubt cramping my style. Ralph Fiennes is also in one of the lead roles.

Anyhow, while never getting bored with the naked Kate Winslet, I thought I had figured out "The Reader" fairly early and thought it might go on to some inevitable conclusion. Not so fast. The great Bruno Ganz shows up and acts as a conduit to the first of many turns along the way. You know Bruno Ganz. He is the guy playing Hitler in the many Internet parodies that have sprung up in the past couple of years. So, here I am, thinking I am going to see this sort of movie and we end up seeing something completely different. And pretty damn good, to boot.

The old woman in my row said afterward, they should give it the Oscar right now. I'm betting she hasn't seen "Slumdog" yet. Winslet should get some kind of nomination for this and not just from Mr. Skin. Not really a supporting role as I see it, but I can see where they are heading if they go that route.

Meal of Links

After viewing "Frost/Nixon" on Wednesday, I decided to finally check out "Man On Wire" later that evening. Kind of keeping it within that same week of 1974, when Nixon resigned on August 9, two days after Philippe Petit walked between the Twin Towers on a highwire on August 7. This was shown at the Cedar-Lee for about a blink of an eye in August (which I missed) and my interest was rekindled when I saw it arriving on some "Top Ten" lists for the year.

It's a shame there is no film of the event, but the still photos are pretty amazing. You're watching it and you still can't believe it. I thought this doc was well done and it's on Time Warner PPV through March, I think. The DVD is already out, as well.

I failed to post this earlier. But here is the story of that Double Showcase winner on "The Price Is Right".

This is why Eddie Izzard is genius.

Weird things in nature. Yeah, nature can be screwy, at times.

Who updates Wikipedia? It's amazing how fast things can be updated on Wiki. For lightning fast updates, go to Wikipedia after Jim Rome's Smackoff. The winner is posted within seconds. It's scary.

Exercise Yard

While waiting for the Browns to somehow screw up their searches for a new GM and head coach (Mortenson says it's Mangini, Shefter says it's McDaniels!), we got real football teams playing today.

My playoff picks this weekend:

Arizona over Atlanta
Indianapolis over San Diego
Baltimore over Miami
Philadelphia over Minnesota

Visitor

10 Down: Longtime Penn State football coach (7 letters) Answer: Paterno

Happy New Year to all!